I graduated from Asbury University, cum
laude, in 1972 with a bachelor of Arts in
Music Eucation. Then in 1977, I received a
Masters in Music Education from Eastern
Kentucky University, graduating summa cum
laude. Since then, I have also attended a
number of piano workshops offered each year,
by very skilled music performers and
composers. These learning experiences have
given me many ideas that have helped to
improve my teaching.

Teaching Experience

In the fall of 1972, I accepted a
position to teach music at two elementary
schools in Versailles, seeing 600 students a
week. At the end of five years, the
elementary music program was dropped. I then
made the decision to teach provate piano,
which I have now been doing for the past 38
years. Finally, I have also taught the
Kindermusik program which has given me a lot
of experience with younger children in a
group setting.

Teaching Philosophy

Through the years, I have taught students
with a wide variety of abilities, from
average to very gifted. I have accepted
anyone who has a desire to play, because I
believe every person should have the
opportunity to awaken the music within him
or her. I know that developing the skill of
making music can be very beneficial to other
areas of learning, as well.

My goal is for each student to have a
successful piano experience. Part of that is
having good communication with parents. That
allows me to know if I need to make changes. I will always be open to trying another
approach if what I am doing is not working.

I teach primarily on an acoustic,
"regular", piano but also use a Yamaha Arius
digital keyboard in my teaching. Students
love the opportunity to explore a variety of
sounds that challenge their creativity and
make their music come alive. I am also able
to use the keyboard to provide
accompaniments that go with the Faber Piano
Adventure series, which I use with levels
1-4. "This addition also greatly enhances
the student's musical experience."

Teaching Materials

One of my major goals is to tailor what I
teach to each student, so he or she can gain
the most benefit and really enjoy what they
are playing. That means that I don't
necessarily use the same books with every
student, even if they are on the same level.
And if I feel that some need more
supplementary materials to reinforce certain
concepts, I add them. I also believe that it
is really important to get to know students
better and to find out what music they like.
So, I teach a wide variety of materials to
keep lessons interesting. Some of these
include the genres of classical, pop, jazz
or sacred music.

I do include both technique, used to help
students play more musically, and theory to
give them a solid foundation in music
fundamentals. I also use a number of online
music games, which can be accessed at home,
to reinforce important concepts. Student
really enjoy this approach.

Yearly Goals

I believe that it is very important to
work toward very specific goals. So, my
students participate in two recitals a year,
usually in November and May. They are not
forced to perform, but I do strongly
encourage it. In addition to these two
events, we give a Christmas program at
Taylor Manor, a nursing home in Versailles.
Some students also play at the churches.
These various performance venues allow them
to gain more confidence for the future as
well as give enjoyment to others.

Expectations

Learning to play the piano is both fun
and fulfilling, but it does take a
commitment for both parents and students if
there is to be successful progress. Just
like any other skill, consistent practice is
the key . The amount will vary, depending on
the student. The important thing is that
there should be sufficient practice for
steady improvement. Finally, it is
imperative to have either a piano or good
keyboard.

Scheduling

I teach lessons from 3:00 to 8 pm.
Monday-Friday and Saturdays from 9:00 to
4:00. I do teach some adults and
home-schooled students earlier on weekdays.
I also teach year-round but take a week's
break before summer lessons start and
another week off before school starts in the
fall. I follow the public schools' breaks
for Christmas and spring break.

Tuition

Tuition is paid by the month. I do not
deduct for lessons missed, but I do make up
under certain circumstances. The following
fees are very competitive with other
teachers in the area who have comparable
educational backgrounds and teaching
experience, especially considering the
length of the lessons.

My fees for the 2017-2018 year are as
follows for four lessons a month: $115.00
for 40 minutes and $141.50 for 50 minutes.

Parent Testimonials

Mrs Bengston is an outstanding teacher,
whose love of children and music creates a
wonderful learning environment. She is kind
and patient with her students and always
encourages them to do their best. The two
annual recitals have helped my children
build confidence in their performance skills
and motivated them to pursue more
challenging pieces. She takes the time to
get to know each of her students and strives
to brings out the best in them. She has
instilled a love of music in my children
that will last a lifetime. Lynn Fuller

Mrs. Ann Bengston is an ecellent piano
instructor. She is able to take young
children and transform them into skilled
piano players by the time they graduate from
high school. Mrs. Bengston keeps their
interest by finding music they enjoy playing
and taking them at a pace that keeps them
challenged but not so overwhelmed that they
get frustrated and lose interest. Her
students' progressions each year, as seen at
her recitals, is the best illustration of
her teaching talent. Also, the variety of
recital music, from hymns to difficult
classical pieces to pop music, displays her
versatility in teaching. Finally, her
experience allows her to know how to perfect
each student's ability as well as helping
them all be their best.Tyra Evans

My daughter has been taking piano lessons
from Mrs. Bengston going five years. It's
amazing to see how much she has grown in
that time. I listen to my daughter's playing
in awe sometimes, as I see her discipline
and enthusiam. Mrs. Bengston is a great
piano teacher! She is patient and brings out
each child's unique talent. We are grateful
to have her. Carol Blair

Contact Information

If you would like to contact me, I would
be happy to talk with you. I can be reached
at 859.533.0124 or
abengston@hotmail.com